Minnkota gives thanks for healthcare heroes

One of the break rooms of Altru Health in Grand Forks was filled with the scent of Red Pepper grinder sandwiches on Dec. 9 – the smell of gratitude.

Minnkota Power Cooperative and its member co-op Nodak Electric Cooperative joined together to sponsor a thank-you lunch for Altru’s healthcare workers, who have been tirelessly caring for the community’s sick during the height of the pandemic. The Red Pepper catered 250 lunches for health personnel, which were presented with posters of appreciation signed by the employees of Minnkota and Nodak.

“Our community is lucky to have Altru’s dedicated healthcare team to help our families through this pandemic,” said Minnkota president and CEO Mac McLennan. “This lunch was our small way of showing them how much our employees appreciate their perseverance.”  

“These frontline workers have courageously displayed a genuine caring for those that need them the most during this time,” added Mylo Einarson, Nodak president and CEO. “They’ve been taking care of all of us through the pandemic, so we wanted to do something to take care of them and show how grateful we are for their sacrifice.”

The Red Pepper grinders were distributed to the hospital’s inpatient team. Janice Hamscher, Altru’s chief nursing officer, said the delivery was much appreciated by the recipients.

“On behalf of our hospital care team, I want to thank you for your generous donation,” Hamscher said. “Your support of our team, who are weary of the pandemic, arrived at just the right moment. Thank you for helping to lift up our caregivers.”

To all of those working to help our families through the most difficult days of the pandemic, Minnkota thanks you for your service.